Saturday highlights include the Trans March, the Dyke March and headliner Andy Bell of Erasure; Sunday highlights include the Pride Parade, headliner Amy Ray of Indigo Girls and the closing Starlight Cabaret.

But official Pride events get underway well before the crowds arrive at Piedmont Park. Among the most poignant is the annual Pride AIDS Vigil, set for Wednesday, Oct. 10 at 7 p.m. Saint Mark United Methodist Church.

“Historically, we have to understand that we lost most of a generation of the LGBTQ movement to HIV and AIDS. I think it is central to the mission of Atlanta Pride to reflect on our past as we are charting a bold, exciting course for our future, and the AIDS Vigil is certainly a big part of that. …

“I think it is important to honor the struggle some have with HIV and AIDS, and to celebrate the lives that thrive and blossom in spite of the impact of a diagnosis,” Cooke says.

The following night offers two official Pride events: a new fundraising dinner and wine-tasting at Fifth Ivory Public House sponsored by Chris Coleman Enterprises, and the Pride Commitment Ceremony, sponsored by Macy’s and held at 7 p.m. at Altitude at the W Midtown hotel.

Pride volunteer and former staffer Darie Wolfson will officiate the 2012 Commitment Ceremony with Pastor Troy Sanders of the Fellowship.

“I tried very hard to come up with a plan for the ceremony that was interfaith — including all faiths, such as pagan tradition, etc. and attempting to be inclusive of those who may be agnostic or atheist,” says Wolfson, who also officiated last year.

The ceremony offers a “crucial” chance for couples to declare their love while also sending a message about marriage equality, she says.

“For so many, to have that moment in time to stand before family and friends and publicly acknowledge their love and commitment to one another is truly life-changing,” Wolfson says.

“It helps people know that there are many, many of us out here trying to change the system.”

Registration is $25 in advance or $35 at the door and includes a certificate; participants can register online at www.atlantapride.org

Atlanta Pride’s official Kickoff Party takes over the Georgia Aquarium on Friday, Oct. 13, with the VIP Party in the venue’s ballroom followed by the main party throughout the aquarium.

“We may even be sold out by the time this story hits the newsstands,” he says.

After that, it’s time to head to Piedmont Park with 200,000 of your closest LGBT friends — and the Pride Committee could use your help.

“We still need 150-200 more volunteers to make the festival happen, so we encourage people to visit our website and sign up for a shift,” Cooke says. “As much fun as you have at the festival, it’s not too much to ask for four hours to help make it happen.”

More pre-Pride events

As in previous years, Atlanta Pride has partnered with local nightlife venues to raise funds at popular events in the weeks leading up to the festival. Look for Pride volunteers collecting donations at venues including Swinging Richards (Sept. 29), My Sister’s Room (Oct. 3 and Oct. 7), Mary’s (Oct. 6) and Jungle (Oct. 10).

Other local organizations and businesses are also ramping up their pre-Pride activities.

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